Step ladders provide a safe solution to reach areas that cannot be accessed safely using a straight ladder. This is down to the A-frame design, which allows the ladder to support itself without the necessity to have it leaning against a wall or hard surface. This has resulted in the step ladder becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses and home owners, and consequently there are many designs to choose from. In this guide we will discuss stepladders, their various features and which are the best models available to buy.

A Brief History of Step Ladders

Wooden step ladders have been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the nineteenth century that a design was actually patented. Although basic step ladders were already produced, it was a man named John Balsley that revolutionised them in 1862 by adding a hinge to allow for easy storage and increased portability. The folding A-frame step ladder is now used worldwide and produced in practical, strong, and safe materials such as aluminium and fibreglass. Step ladders have come on leaps and bounds since Balsley patented them in 1862, and they are now available in all shapes and sizes, from the standard stepladder to a multi-position stepladder which can be used on stairs and slopes!

Types of Step Ladder

While basic straight ladders are mainly utilised by workers in the building trade, step ladders are widely used by all sections of society. They are indeed used by tradesmen such as decorators, window cleaners and builders, but are also common in households for access to the attic space, changing lightbulbs and general odd jobs. In addition to this you will be unlikely to find a retail shop that does not make daily use of a step ladder for stocking shelves. As there are various uses for step ladders, different designs have been produced based on the differing common requirements of customers. Firstly you must choose between the three most common materials used to make step ladders, which are aluminium, fibreglass and wood. All three materials have their advantages and disadvantages and which one you choose will depend entirely on the jobs the ladder is required for:

  • Aluminium - An aluminium step ladder will be incredibly strong, easy to carry, weather-proof and fireproof, however it should be avoided by electricians as aluminium is a highly conductive material. Aluminium is the most popular ladder material due to its many benefits.
  • Fibreglass - Fibreglass is resistant to electricity and so these type of ladders are favoured by people working with electricity, however fibreglass is heavier to handle and prone to cracking.
  • Wood - There is nothing wrong with buying a ladder made from good old fashioned wood. It is a poor electricity conductor and is cheap to buy, however it is prone to weather related wear and tear and will need replacing more often than fibreglass or aluminium would. There is also a fire risk associated with wooden ladders.

The majority of jobs will be best suited to aluminium ladders, which come in three classifications of strength. Generally it is the case that the lower the class, the cheaper the ladder will be. For safety reasons it is important to select the correct step ladder class and not to be solely influenced by price. Class 3 are the cheapest ones, but they can only hold up to 95 kg of weight and will not be allowed in a working industrial environment. With this in mind they are suited to homeowners who simply need a ladder for odd jobs around the house. EN131 ladders are the standard medium-duty class and are able to withstand weights of up to 150kg. The final option are the industrial strength durable class 1 ladders, which can hold up to 175 kg and are the best choice for a step ladder that will be used in a working environment. In addition to the class you will need to decide on the number of treads required (in other words the height) which can be as many as 16 or as few as 2. Some step ladders come with platforms and guardrails, which are important for safety in a warehouse or stockroom environment.

Step Ladder Safety

When using a step ladder safety is paramount, which is why many step ladders are designed with safety in mind. A step ladder has large steps rather than rungs and supports itself on a solid A-frame, making it easier to ascend safely. Before purchasing a step ladder you should accurately gauge the weight limit you need it to handle. A Class 3 will be a cheaper option but if it cannot handle the weight you require then it is an unwise choice. It is all too easy to be tempted to opt for a cheap ladder and regret it later. Choosing a good quality ladder from a trusted source will pay dividends in the end.

Top 5 Quality Step Ladders

Titan Heavy Duty Builders Steps

Designed for industrial use the titan heavy duty aluminium builders step ladders are the strongest currently on the market. Kitemarked to BS2037 class 1 they are designed and built right here in the UK. They allow for a maximum load of 175kg and range in height between 45 inches and 9ft7. These ladders are perfect for workers in the building trade who require a strong and long lasting ladder. They are also good value for money, starting in price at £54. They are also available in medium-duty which start at £50.

Titan Heavy Duty Platform Steps

These heavy duty step ladders are the strongest and most durable that money can buy, crafted from aluminium they are almost identical to the heavy duty builders steps just with an added platform. With tubular back legs and double riveted treads they can carry a maximum weight of 175 kg. The platform at the top of the steps allows for easy completion of work with maximum safety and sturdiness. They are available with 3 treads to a maximum of 12 treads, ranging in price from £73 up to £137. If you are looking for a medium duty platform ladder then we also provide a range of those manufactured by Lyte.

Lyte Aluminium Wide Step

These wide step aluminium ladders are ideal for use in a stockroom, warehouse or retail store. They have far greater stability than other step ladders due to their wider footprint. It includes a handrail, a large working platform and a chain that clips across the handrail to surround the platform for complete and utter safety. One person can easily operate the Lyte Aluminium Wide Step because of its two rear wheels and surprisingly lightweight yet robust design. As a class 1 industrial ladder it can hold a maximum weight of 175kg. The range of features offered by the aluminium wide step mean that it is quite pricey in comparison to other models, with a 3 tread step costing £169.00. They are also available in fibreglass for customers working with electricity. For the entire range visit - https://www.midlandladders.com//catalog/Extra_wide_Heavy_Duty_Aluminium_Wide_Step-34-1.html

Little Giant Safety Step

This robust compact little step ladder is perfect for an office or retail area, useful for reaching shelves, filling cabinets and carry out maintenance. It can be opened and closed with one hand and has added rear wheels for easy movement around the office. It has large stairway like treads and can support up to 150kg of weight. The Little Giant Safety step is renowned for its reliability and as such it comes with a 5 year warranty. Starting at £99 there are three to choose from with 2, 3 or 4 treads.

Little Giant Select Step

The Little Giant Select Step is the only multi-position step ladder in the world, combining the sturdiness of the average step ladder with the versatility of a telescoping ladder. It combines a 5, 6, 7 and 8 tread step ladder in one and is the only step ladder that can be used safely on stairs and sloping ground. You can easily adjust this ladder to the height you want which is particularly useful for home-owners and shop and office areas. This is a unique and groundbreaking product that costs only £145 with the optional extra of an Airdeck tooltray and handrail. With extra wide treads, a 150kg load capacity and a lifetime warranty, you can't really go wrong with this little beauty! For more information on the Little Giant visit https://www.midlandladders.com//products/Little_Giant_Select_Step-442-126.html

Hopefully we have given some helpful advice in choosing the step ladder that is right for you. To view all of our step ladders, please visit https://www.midlandladders.com/step-ladder or call us on 01527 821651 to discuss your requirements further with our helpful, friendly sales team.

Midland Ladders are a Leading UK Distributor of Ladders, Aluminium ladders, Combination ladders, Step ladders, Scaffolding towers, Loft ladders, and all access equipment. Main Distributors for : Youngman, Titan, Lyte, Zarges, With Free Next Day Deliveries UK wide.